Voting for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 121 constituencies in 18 districts. Over 37.5 million voters headed to 45,341 polling booths under tight security to elect their representatives. The fate of 1,314 candidates, including 122 women, will be sealed in EVMs today.
The day saw a mix of enthusiasm and tension. In Buxar, RJD and NDA supporters clashed outside a polling station, causing a brief stampede. Police quickly restored order. A scuffle also broke out between BJP candidate Raju Singh’s convoy and locals in Sahebganj, leading to a tense situation. In Lakhisarai, Deputy CM Vijay Sinha’s convoy was attacked, while two people were arrested for bogus voting in Darbhanga.
Meanwhile, an FIR was filed against Grand Alliance candidate Mangal Ram in Rohtas for organizing a bike rally without permission, violating the model code of conduct. RJD candidate Satyendra Shah from Sasaram secured temporary bail from a Jharkhand court in a pending robbery case.
Voting turnout remained strong, especially in Naxal-affected areas like Minapur and Paru, where polling crossed 64%. The Election Commission will brief the media at 6:30 p.m. in Patna.
